Methods and apparatus for cleaning surfaces

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for cleaning according to various aspects of the present invention include a cleaner and a lighting system. The cleaner, such as a handheld cleaner like a brush or lint roller, cleans the item or area to be cleaned. The lighting system illuminates the area or item to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the lighting system generates ultraviolet light to illuminate debris having phosphor materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A large number of devices have been produced and marketed for cleaningitems and surfaces. Most devices focus on the mechanism for removing thecontaminants from the item or surface. Consequently, cleaning productsinclude a vast array of solvents, cleaning agents, and systems forremoving specific types of contaminants from nearly everything.

Identifying and locating contaminants and debris, however, is oftendifficult, especially in everyday applications that do not lendthemselves to a specialized environment. For example, conventionalcleaning systems such as brooms, mops, sweepers, and the like do notinclude any mechanism for locating and/or identifying dirt, debris, andother contaminants. Handheld cleaners, such as brushes and lint rollers,are similarly ill-equipped.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods and apparatus for cleaning according to various aspects of thepresent invention include a cleaner and a lighting system. The cleaner,such as a handheld cleaner like a brush or lint roller, cleans the itemor area to be cleaned. The lighting system illuminates the area or itemto be cleaned. In one embodiment, the lighting system generatesultraviolet light to illuminate debris having phosphor materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description when considered in connection withthe following illustrative figures. In the following figures, likereference numbers refer to similar elements and steps.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cleaning system according to variousaspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an exemplary cleaning system using a lintroller and an ultraviolet light source.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an alternative exemplary cleaning systemusing a lint roller and a lighting system having two light elements.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an alternative exemplary cleaning systemusing a handle that is not parallel to a rod supporting a lint roller.

Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity andclarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to anyparticular sequence. For example, steps that may be performedconcurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures tohelp to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is described partly in terms of functionalcomponents and various processing steps. Such functional components maybe realized by any number of components configured to perform thespecified functions and achieve the various results.

For example, the present invention may employ various elements,materials, cleaners, adhesives, light emitters, frame configurations,and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition,the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with any number ofapplications, environments, and surfaces, and the systems described aremerely exemplary applications for the invention. Further, the presentinvention may employ any number of conventional techniques formanufacturing, assembling, mounting, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a cleaning system 100 according to variousaspects of the present invention comprises a cleaner 112 and a lightingsystem 114. A main structure 110 supports the components and systems foroperating the cleaning system 100, and the cleaner 112 performs thecleaning. The lighting system 114 illuminates the area or item to becleaned and/or materials to be removed from the item.

For example, referring now to FIG. 2, the cleaning system 100 may beimplemented as a handheld particle remover 200. In the presentembodiment, the main structure 110 comprises a handheld frame 210configured to support other elements of the cleaning system 100, such asthe lighting system 114 and the cleaner 112. The main structure 110 may,however, perform any suitable functions and be configured in anysuitable manner.

In the present embodiment, the lighting system 114 and the cleaner 112are mounted on the frame 210, and the frame suitably supports variousother elements of the cleaning system 100. In particular, the frame 210provides an operator interface 212 and a power supply 214. The operatorinterface 212 may comprise any appropriate interface, such as anattachment point for connecting to a tool or handle and/or one or moreswitches for activating various components of the system, and the powersupply 214 provides power for one or more components of the cleaningsystem 100, such as the lighting system 114 or a motor for the cleaner112.

The frame 210 may comprise any suitable system for supporting thevarious elements of the cleaning system 100. In the present embodiment,the frame comprises a substantially rigid body configured to support thecleaner 112 and the lighting system 114. For example, the frame 210 maycomprise a metal, ceramic, or plastic element having two prongs whichreceive and retain the cleaner 112 in position. In an alternativeembodiment, referring again to FIG. 2, the frame 210 may include a rod216 for supporting the cleaner 112 and an end cap 218 to retain thecleaner 112 on the rod 216. The frame 210 may, however, use anyappropriate mechanism for retaining the cleaner 112 in position.

The frame 210 may also support the lighting system 114. The frame 210may support the lighting system 114 in any suitable manner, such aswithin a recess formed in the frame 210 supporting the length of thelighting system 114 or a base 220 supporting a portion of the lightingsystem 114. The frame 210 suitably supports the lighting system 114 suchthat the lighting system 114 illuminates a cleaning path of the cleaner112. Any suitable configuration or mechanism may be used to support thelighting system 114 with respect to the cleaner 112.

The operator interface 212 may comprise any suitable elements to allowan operator to use the cleaning system 100. For example, in the presentembodiment, the operator interface 212 includes a mechanism forcontrolling the lighting system 114, such as a switch 222 forselectively connecting the power supply to the lighting system 114.

The switch 222 may be manually operated, or may respond to other input,such as sensing pressure applied to the cleaner 112. The operatorinterface 212 also suitably includes a mechanism for moving the cleaningsystem 100 across a surface to be cleaned, such as a handle 224 or anattachment mechanism for manipulating the cleaning system 100.

In the present embodiment, the frame 210 includes the handle 224 formanually moving the cleaning system 100 across the surface to becleaned. The handle 224 may be configured in any suitable manner tooperate the cleaning system 100. For example, in the present embodiment,the handle 224 extends substantially along the same axis as the rod 216.Referring to FIG. 3, in an alternative embodiment, the handle 224 may bedisposed at an angle to the rod 216 axis

The power supply 214 provides power to the cleaning system 100. Thepower supply 214 may provide power to any elements or components of thecleaning system 100. In the present embodiment, the power supply 214provides power to the lighting system 114. The power supply 214 maycomprise any suitable system, such as a battery, a power cord with aconnection to an outlet or other power source, a generator powered bythe movement of the cleaner 112 along a surface, or the like.

The cleaner 112 cleans objects, surfaces, fluids, and the like. Thecleaner 112 may comprise any appropriate cleaner, such as a vacuumsystem, sweeper, brush, or other cleaner. In the present embodiment, thecleaner comprises an adhesive cleaner, such as a roller having anadhesive exterior like a conventional handheld lint roller 226. The lintroller 226 is rotatably mounted on the rod 216 so that the lint roller226 may be rolled along a surface. The lint roller 226 is also suitablyremovable from the rod 216 for replacement or reconditioning.

The lighting system 114 provides light to illuminate the area to becleaned or material to be removed by the cleaner 112. The lightingsystem 114 may comprise any suitable system for providing light, such asan incandescent bulb, a fluorescent light, a light emitting diode, orother suitable light or array of such light sources. The lighting system114 may be selected to particularly illuminate materials to be removed.In the present lint roller embodiment, the light system 114 includes anultraviolet light, which tends to illuminate any particles includingphosphors against the background of a fabric to be cleaned. In variousembodiments, the lighting system 114 may be configured to generate onlyvisible light, only ultraviolet light, both visible light andultraviolet light, or any other suitable types of radiation.

The lighting system 114 may comprise any number or configuration oflights. For example, the lighting system 114 may comprise one lightelement 228, such as a bulb or diode or the like disposed proximate tothe cleaner 112, such as adjacent the cleaner 112, for illuminating apath in front of the cleaner 112. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 3,the lighting system 114 may include two light elements 228A-B, such ason substantially opposite sides of the cleaner 112, to illuminate thepath of the cleaner 112 both in front and to the rear. In anotheralternative embodiment, the lighting system 114 includes a U-shapedlight element extending around the cleaner 112 to illuminate a greaterarea around the cleaning system 100. Any other number or configurationor light elements may be used in the lighting system 114.

In operation, an area to be cleaned is selected. In the presentembodiment, the area to be cleaned may comprise, for example, an articleof clothing or furniture. The lighting system 114 may be activated andthe cleaning system 100 applied to the selected area. When the lightingsystem 114 approaches the area to be cleaned, dust particles and otherdebris may be illuminated. In the present embodiment using anultraviolet light, materials including phosphors tend to fluoresce inthe visible spectrum and are thus easier to see.

The cleaner 112 is also applied to an area to be cleaned, such anarticle of clothing or upholstery. The cleaner 112 may then be movedacross the surface, such as by rolling the lint roller 226 across thearea to be cleaned. As the cleaning system 100 moves, the lightingsystem 114 illuminates the area to be cleaned, for example areas in thepath of the lint roller 226. In the present embodiment, the lightingsystem 114 highlights debris to be removed by the cleaning system sothat the operator may assess the areas to be cleaned, as well as theeffectiveness of the cleaning as the cleaning proceeds. The process maybe repeated until the operator is satisfied with the results.

The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative ofthe invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limitthe scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake ofbrevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and otherfunctional aspects of the system may not be described in detail.Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures areintended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between the various elements. Many alternative or additionalfunctional relationships or physical connections may be present in apractical system.

The present invention has been described above with reference to anexemplary embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made tothe exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. These and other changes or modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present invention.

1. A cleaning system, comprising: a cleaner; and a lighting systemconfigured to illuminate an area to be cleaned with ultraviolet light.2. A cleaning system according to claim 1, further comprising a mainstructure, wherein the cleaner and the lighting system are mounted onthe main structure.
 3. A cleaning system according to claim 2, whereinthe main structure comprises a handle.
 4. A cleaning system according toclaim 1, wherein the cleaner comprises an adhesive cleaner.
 5. Acleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the cleaner comprises ahandheld lint roller.
 6. A cleaning system according to claim 1, whereinthe lighting system is disposed adjacent the cleaner.
 7. A cleaningsystem according to claim 1, wherein the lighting system comprises afirst light source and a second light source, wherein the first andsecond light sources are disposed on substantially opposite sides of thecleaner.
 8. A handheld roller cleaning system, comprising: a handheldframe; an adhesive roller rotatably mounted on the frame; and a lightingsystem mounted on the main structure and proximate to the adhesiveroller to illuminate an area to be cleaned by the adhesive roller,wherein the lighting system is configured to provide ultraviolet lighton the area to be cleaned.
 9. A handheld roller cleaning systemaccording to claim 8, further comprising a main structure, wherein thecleaner and the lighting system are mounted on the main structure.
 10. Ahandheld roller cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein the mainstructure comprises a handle.
 11. A handheld roller cleaning systemaccording to claim 8, wherein the lighting system is disposed adjacentthe cleaner.
 12. A handheld roller cleaning system according to claim 8,wherein the lighting system comprises a first light source and a secondlight source, wherein the first and second light sources are disposed onsubstantially opposite sides of the cleaner.
 13. A method of cleaning anitem, comprising: applying a cleaner to the item; and illuminating atleast a portion of the item with ultraviolet light.
 14. A method ofcleaning according to claim 13, wherein: the ultraviolet light isprovided by a lighting system; the cleaner and the lighting system aremounted on a main structure; and applying the cleaner to the itemincludes moving the cleaner across the item.
 15. A method of cleaningaccording to claim 13, wherein applying the cleaner to the itemcomprises manipulating the cleaner with a handle, wherein the cleaner isconnected to a handle.
 16. A method of cleaning according to claim 15,wherein the ultraviolet light is provided by a lighting system connectedto at least one of the handle and the cleaner.
 17. A method of cleaningaccording to claim 13, wherein the cleaner comprises an adhesivecleaner.
 18. A method of cleaning according to claim 13, wherein thecleaner comprises a handheld lint roller.
 19. A method of cleaningaccording to claim 13, wherein the ultraviolet light is provided by alighting system disposed adjacent the cleaner.
 20. A cleaning systemaccording to claim 13, wherein the ultraviolet light is provided by alighting system comprising a first light source and a second lightsource, wherein the first and second light sources are disposed onsubstantially opposite sides of the cleaner.